by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

The NCAA approved a new rule Wednesday to increase protection for quarterbacks from hits below the knee.

The rule, which the Playing Rules Oversight Panel discussed in a conference call, is specific: The quarterback must be in a passing posture with one or both feet on the ground. Defenders cannot hit the quarterback forcibly at or below the knee, nor can he "initiate a roll or lunge and forcibly hit the quarterback in the knee area or below."

Violations will lead to a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty. The rule will be in effect for the 2014 season.

The exceptions:

â?¢When the passer becomes a runner, inside or outside the tackle box.

â?¢When the defender grabs or wraps the QB in an attempt to make a conventional tackle.

â?¢When the defender is not rushing unabated or is blocked or pushed into the passer.

This proposal was discussed during the Football Rules Committee's February meeting, but no action was taken. Since then, the commissioners of all 10 FBS conferences have expressed support.